Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from the Democratic Republic of Congo
You have ashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo and need to bring them home. This page covers what Democratic Republic of Congo requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
What does Democratic Republic of Congo require before ashes can leave?
No commercial cremation facilities in DRC.
Routing from the Democratic Republic of Congo: Kinshasa via Brussels (Brussels Airlines), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways). Eastern DRC (Goma) may route via Nairobi or Kigali.
Departure airports: Ndjili International Airport (FIH), Kinshasa; Goma International Airport (GOM)
Documentation language: French; Lingala; Swahili; Kikongo
Authority that must release the case: Parquet (state prosecutor); Police Nationale Congolaise; Institut National Medico-Legal (INML)
The rules that apply on any route, and what you may do with ashes once home, are covered in bringing ashes into the UK.
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
If you are connecting through a third country on this routing, that country's rules apply to the transit as well, and should be checked separately.
What does Democratic Republic of Congo require to export ashes?
Cremation availability
Cremation may be restricted or unavailable in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to religious or legal reasons. If you are dealing with ashes from a previous cremation held elsewhere, the export rules may differ. Contact us for guidance specific to your situation.
What affects the cost?
Carrying ashes home yourself is the least expensive way to bring someone back from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and for many families it costs little more than the return flight they are already taking. We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.
| What changes the cost | Why |
|---|---|
| Whether the cremation has already taken place | Arranging it locally adds funeral director and crematorium involvement |
| Where the death happened | Distance to the nearest crematorium changes local transfer |
| Carrying versus shipping | Hand luggage costs nothing extra; a specialist courier is a separate arrangement |
| Documentation Democratic Republic of Congo requires | Export permits and translation, where they apply |
Send us the details of your situation and we will give you a figure, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide
Complete guide: repatriation from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Official support
British Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
We deal with Parquet (state prosecutor); Police Nationale Congolaise; Institut National Medico-Legal (INML) and the local crematorium directly.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Official lists for the Democratic Republic of Congo
Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.
- Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from the Democratic Republic of Congo
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Tell us where the ashes are now and where home is. We will explain what is needed and send you a quote. We send ashes home to the UK, Ireland or any other country.